NORTH Essex MPs took part in crunch talks with their party leaders after the Prime Minister announced plans to step down as Labour leader.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders arranged meetings with their MPs last night about forming a government after Gordon Brown announced he was to quit.

Mr Brown revealed yesterday afternoon he was calling for a Labour leadership contest in which he would “play no part” as his party confirmed formal talks were to take place with the Lib Dems about forming a government.

Mr Brown’s announcement outside 10 Downing Street followed days of negotiations between the Lib Dems and Conservatives which failed to seal a deal.

After the Prime Minister’s announcement, Conservative leader, David Cameron, and Lib Demleader, Nick Clegg, called further meeting with their MPs.

Douglas Carswell, Conservative MP for Clacton, who was due to meet party leader David Cameron last night, said he was opposed to a Conservative-Lib Dem coalition.

He said: “I think if it means compromising on our manifesto commitments, then I don’t see how we can reach an agreement.

“We are 20 seats short of an outright majority. People clearly voted for change and I hope we can go ahead with a minority administration.

“Politics is not about doing what suits the politicians in Westminster, it’s about doing what people elect you to do.

“We have more votes in England than any other party and we have a mandate to reduce the government deficit and cut uncontrolled immigration.

“I don’t think one can compromise on either of those.”

Meanwhile, Colchester’s Lib Dem MP Bob Russell remained tightlipped about his party’s talks.

He said: “I want to see what may come out of the talks.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for, hopefully, all of Britain to get a fairer voting system.

“The 57 Lib Dem MPs must do what’s right for the country and as the hours unfold the situation will hopefully solidify.”